‘Pretending to be a princess and feeling pretty’ with Tana Boots
Queer Kentucky has partnered with Louisville Magazine for our fourth print issue. We asked Louisvillians and Kentuckians at large about their queerness and its relationship to the city, where they feel at home, who was there for them when it felt like nobody else was, the biggest issues facing Louisville’s queer communities, and much more. We would love it if you — whether you live in Louisville or not — would answer the questions too. If you’d like to, you can find the interview here. In this issue, you will find stories of Queer Kentuckians telling tales of their beloved safe spaces, paying tribute to the loved ones who uplifted them when no one else would, laughing about their coming out stories, and so much more. Kentucky, and Louisville, have a lot of work left to do when it comes to embracing the queer community. But hey, it’s not as bad as people think it is. Read on, you’ll see. You can purchase the print version of this issue here.
Tana Boots
Old Louisville, she/her/they/them
Why’d you pick that photo?
This was me as a young little boy dressing up with my sisters. Pretending to be a princess and feeling pretty. It’s really cool to look back at it, knowing I’ve been special my whole life. Knowing no one influenced me. I was just how I wanted to exist. Dressing up is what I had fun with then, and it’s what I have fun with now.
Who was there for you when it felt like nobody else was?
I still hang out with those few fellow queer friends from high school who have helped me with my queer journey. Having these people at a younger age allowed me to start expressing myself the way I wanted. One friend in particular loved seeing me dance and sing along to songs so much she mentioned I should do drag. Never really put too much thought into it before then. But her instill-ing that thought into my head allowed me to have the confidence to even start drag. She taught me how to do makeup and special effects. I’ll never forget how much this one person helped me. She allowed me to find what makes me happy.
Who was the person you chose to come out to?
First person I came out to was my sister, who is two years older than me.We have always been close since we were babies. I watched her struggle with things, and she watched me struggle.We got each other and gained trust with each other. I couldn’t imagine telling anyone else first.
What piece of art — a book, a painting, a movie, a TV show, etc. — means the most to you?
It sounds a little funny, but YouTube is what showed me queer life first. I came across a drag queen YouTube channel probably at the age of 14 and was forever changed. Seeing queer people thriving and being confident did wonders to my young mind. Still, to this day, I am a YouTube fiend when it comes to queer content.
What’s the biggest issue facing Louisville’s LGBTQ+ communities? What do you think would help solve that issue?
If I’m being honest, I wish there were more day events for the scene. More queer-friendly sober events. Most of the scene at the moment is mainly for the 21-or-older crowd, given that queer spaces here are bars lol. Having all-ages events for young queer minds will allow them to feel a part of the community at a much younger age.
